How long can you keep a casserole with cooked chicken refrigerated?

Written by jennifer spirko| 13/05/2017

A casserole makes delicious leftovers but, if it contains chicken, eat it within a few days. (Sweet potato casserole image by PhotoDaniels from Fotolia.com)

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service provides specific guidelines for storing cooked chicken; it recommends no more than three to four days for most cooked chicken dishes, including casseroles. Refrigeration means storage at a consistent temperature of 4.44 degrees C or below.

Gravy-based dishes don't last as long

Some chicken dishes have a shorter shelf life, even in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends that cooked chicken pieces that are "covered with broth or gravy" be stored for only one or two days. Chicken broth and plain chicken gravy have the same restriction.

Bottom line

Most such dishes should be safe for up to four days at the right temperature. But if your casserole is better described as chicken pieces in gravy--like some one-pot meals--eat it within the shorter recommended time frame to ensure its safety.

Bottom Line

Most such dishes should be safe for up to four days at the right temperature. But if your casserole is better described as chicken pieces in gravy--like some one-pot meals--eat it within the shorter recommended time frame to ensure its safety.